Several beaches in Dana Point are reopened to the public today after a great white shark sighting prompted authorities to temporarily close a two-mile stretch of coastline, which includes Strands, Salt Creek, and Monarch Bay. Shark sighting advisory signs remain posted along the beach, warning beachgoers of the potential dangers in entering the water.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s lieutenant, the shark was spotted by a surfer at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday. Shortly after, a lifeguard confirmed the sighting and approximated the shark to be around 10 feet long.
“The shark was sighted breaching approximately 300 yards off the point at Salt Creek beach,” said Orange County Chief Lifeguard Jason Young. “Orange County Lifeguards responded by clearing the water during an investigation period of one hour.”
Strands and Salt Creek were closed to swimmers and surfers as crews searched by boat and helicopter for the shark, said Young. Despite their efforts, there was no sign of a shark during the search.
Shark sightings in Dana Point are rather uncommon, especially this close to shore. Even more rare is the circumstance in which the shark was spotted. Breaching is a spectacular behavior that is found in the species only when they’re trying to catch fast-moving prey, like seals. Breaching is relatively rare because the shark has to use a great deal of energy to propel itself.
Lifeguards are urging the public to be advised of the sighting and to enter the water at their own risk. Authorities will continue to patrol the area and will re-evaluate the status of the advisory in the next few hours.
Check back with us shortly, as we are dedicated to bring you more details of the sighting as they become available.
